Tue, Dec 18th, 2018
Dave Stiles, an agricultural teacher at Indian Valley High School is one of 10 finalists in Ohio for Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award. This award recognizes the tremendous contributions of Iowa and Ohio teachers in preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in agriculture.
At separate award ceremonies, 10 finalists in Ohio and seven finalists in Iowa will be presented with a $500 cash prize and entered into a final selection stage. In April 2019, one finalist from each state will be chosen as a grand-prize winner based on additional review by a selection committee. Each grand-prize winner will receive a Golden Owl Award trophy, the destination of Ag Educator of the Year and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded cash award designed to help support continued education efforts.
The event at Indian Valley was held Thursday.
“We’re proud to recognize outstanding teachers for their dedication to agriculture education and their communities,” Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness for Nationwide said in a statement. “These talented individuals have dedicated their careers to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. The nominations highlight the tremendous efforts these teachers provide to agricultural education and the inspiration they give to their students.”
Stiles is a 38-year vocational agriculture teacher who encourages his students to think for themselves and be responsible for their project outcomes. He is dedicated to his students and committed to making his community a better place to live.
Stiles has encouraged his students to participate in local charity events. He has received ARCOP grants to support three major projects.
He has been involved in the Keep Calm and Stay Safe safety day, the FFA, 4-H and Farm Bureau’s “Got Your Back” substance abuse prevention campaign and helped plan “Sowing the Seeds for Agriculture’s Future” career tour.
